Minister lauds cricket federation over partnership initiative

Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has commended the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) for its partnership initiative with the Chennai Cricket Council of India, which has resulted in an experienced coach from the Asian country coming to conduct coaching courses at no cost to the NCF.

Speaking while receiving a delegation of the Nigerian Cricket Federation (NCF), led by its President, Emeka Onyeama, Dalung acknowledged with admiration the progress, which India is making through cricket and the glory that the accomplishment has brought to the country.

He described the partnership arrangement as laudable and a right step in the right direction, adding, “I think the Nigeria Cricket Federation has taken the right step in exploring our policy of maximising partnership in order to drive sports to the next level.”

He urged other Federations to copy from cricket’s lead, saying the partnership is in line with Federal Government’s objective of developing sports as a vehicle for job creation, revenue generation and opportunity to enable our youths realise their creative potential.

Earlier, the NCF president explained to the minister that the partnership was meant to develop cricket in Nigeria by sharing from the experience of India, which has turned the sport to a mass mobilisation and money spinning game that has also brought fame and glory to their country.

He also revealed that the coach, Mr. Shriram, would conduct coaching courses for Nigerian officials between the May 19 and 29, 2016.